Elliott Dickman has insisted Sunderland’s youth team players must take responsibility for their actions when they cross the white line.
The under-18s team have endured a challenging start to the 2016-17 U18 Premier League campaign as they have lost both their opening fixtures.
A 5-2 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening day was then followed up by a frustrating 4-1 loss last Saturday to Stoke City at the Academy of Light.
But with all eyes now focused on a response in the mini Tees-Wear derby at Middlesbrough on Saturday, Dickman told safc.com his young Black Cats must take pride in their work on the pitch.
“We have to be honest with the lads and make sure they are clear on what their roles are within the squad,” he admitted.
“There can’t be any grudges held from our points of view. We are disappointed with the start and so are the players, but the main thing is we need to pick them up, give them support and keep helping them.”
He continued: “They need to take a bit more responsibility to make sure that they stick to any sort of game plan we have.
“It’s difficult when you have been an under-16 and now you are coming in as a full-time player. It’s a little bit different because there are the demands of being in training every day.
“They are long days because the expectations have been lifted. All the lads need to understand they have a responsibility to perform and it’s important they do that.”
